Marine area zoning of Tavolara Coda Cavallo

Marine area zoning of Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo

The excursion to Tavolara from San Teodoro takes place within the Marine Protected Area “Tavolara – Punta Coda Cavallo,” under the provisions of the ministerial decree establishing the area on December 12, 1997, as amended by the ministerial decree of November 28, 2001. The zones listed below are defined, along with their respective protection regimes:

1. Zone A – INTEGRAL RESERVE

The following are allowed:

• Access for staff of the Managing Authority, for service activities, and for scientific staff conducting properly authorized research.
• The organization of guided underwater visits, regulated by the Managing Authority, in limited areas according to predetermined routes, ensuring high environmental protection needs are met. The following are PROHIBITED:
• Bathing.
• Professional and sport fishing.
• The passage of boats and vessels, except for those belonging to the Marine Protected Area.

2. Zone B – GENERAL RESERVE

The following are allowed:

• Navigation by boats and vessels at low speed (no more than 10 knots).
• Visits, including underwater, regulated by the Managing Authority of the Marine Protected Area.
• Bathing.
• Mooring at the designated structures provided by the Managing Authority of the Area.
• Small-scale fishing, using selective tools that do not damage the seabed, for professional fishermen from the municipalities whose coasts are included in the Marine Protected Area, with a daily limit regulated by the Managing Authority. The following are PROHIBITED:
• Professional fishing with trawl nets and seines.
• Sport fishing by any means.

3. Zone C – PARTIAL RESERVE

The following are allowed:

• Navigation by boats and vessels.
• Mooring, as regulated by the Managing Authority of the Marine Protected Area.
• Scuba diving, compatible with the protection of the seabed.
• Small-scale fishing, using selective tools that do not damage the seabed, for professional fishermen from the municipalities whose coasts are included in the Marine Protected Area.
• Sport fishing, if practiced with the following systems and limitations: a) Fishing lines and rods, dead lines, bolentino, squid lines: no more than one per person with a maximum of three hooks. b) Small fishing lines: no more than one per person with a maximum of six hooks. c) Trolling, no more than two per boat.

EXECUTION REGULATIONS AND ORGANIZATION OF THE MPA

The Marine Protected Area is governed by the definitive regulations of the Ministry of the Environment and Protection of Land and Sea, approved by Legislative Decree No. 299 of 03/12/2014, which regulates in detail the various activities. In Zones “B” and “C,” anchoring is prohibited, except on sandy or pebbly seabeds and in specially designated and equipped areas. Additionally, underwater fishing, jet skiing, and water sports using towed equipment are prohibited.

The excursion to Tavolara from San Teodoro is possible with a skipper in a rubber boat. This is a rental with a driver. Alternatively, a boat can be rented, and you can visit the chosen coves or bays depending on the wind direction, ensuring a pleasant swim and dives in the marine depths. The excursion also includes visits to the Molara pools and the coves of Cala Girgolu.